Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
93% Compatible
Energy Level
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Energetic0.8
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Welsh Springer Spaniel5/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Welsh Springer Spaniel4/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Strangers
Welsh Springer Spaniel1/5
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Epilepsy: Neurological seizure disorder
Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure issue
Entropion: Inward rolling of eyelids
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalance risks
Shetland Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision problems
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
MDR1 Gene: Medicine sensitivity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Pros & Cons Comparison
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Pros
Excellent family companion
Good with children
Trainable
Athletic
Affectionate
Cons
Needs regular exercise
Regular grooming required
Can be reserved with strangers
Moderate shedding
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent family dog
Low maintenance cost
Good with children
Cons
Excessive barking tendency
Heavy shedding
Can be shy with strangers
Requires extensive grooming
Welsh Springer Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive red and white coat pattern has remained unchanged for centuries in Welsh hunting circles.
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Heritage & Purpose
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in Wales during the 1800s as skilled hunting companions, these spaniels excelled at flushing and retrieving game in challenging Welsh terrain.
Shetland Sheepdog
Origin:
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
Special Considerations
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Weekly grooming sessions needed to maintain coat. Requires consistent exercise routine. Regular eye checks and hip evaluations recommended for preventive care.
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.
Shedding
SeasonalRelated Comparisons
Similar Size
Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Afghan Hound →